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McGrath meets peace activists

Thursday, 12 June 2008

LATIN Americans living on the Northside have met local TD Finian McGrath (Ind) to find ways to help build a peace process in Colombia.
Activists Jose Antonio Gutierrez, from Clontarf, and Ibet Garcia, from Donnycarney, are both members of Grúpa Fréamhacha (Roots) and are hoping to use the Irish peace process as an example for the conflict stricken Latin American country.
Deputy McGrath, who has had an affinity with Colombia since his visit there in 2002 as a human rights observer, said he will do anything he can to help Ireland’s Latin American community on this issue.
“When I visited, I met with trade unionists, mainstream politicians and guerrilla combatants, as well as visiting the prisons,” stated Deputy McGrath.
“What I saw everywhere was a real need for a peace process similar to our own so I made a commitment to help them out in Ireland.
“I have been putting pressure on the Irish Government to support human rights in Colombia. “Through the Department of Foreign Affairs we can help to build a real peace process in Colombia.”
A delegation of Colombians from a new group called CoMoSoc visited Dublin last month to secure the backing of Irish politicians, trade unionists and human rights groups.
Jose Antonio Gutierrez explained how many members of the visiting group, which included priests and indigenous leaders, were risking their lives by travelling here to speak out for peace.
“It is a very dangerous situation in Colombia with a long record of human rights abuses by the State and paramilitary groups,” he stated.
“These delegates visiting Ireland may be murdered upon their return and some of them have already been threatened with having a price put on their heads.
“This is why it is so important that Ireland supports this CoMoSoc coalition and we are calling on Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, to meet with us and help to ensure the safety of all Colombians calling for peace.”
Colombians suffer the effects of the drug trade, as well as guerrilla groups like FARC and paramilitary groups like AUC, who along with other smaller groups, have engaged in a bloody internal armed conflict for many years.
Deputy McGrath has raised a number of Dáil questions about the situation in Colombia and will continue to work alongside the Latin American community to build awareness and support for their fledgling peace process.
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